A TRUE  HISTORY 


OF  THE 


li^ASSACRE  OF  NiNETY-SIX  CHRISTIAN  INDIANS 

AT 

6NADENHUETTEN,  OHIO, 


MARCH  8lh,  I7S2, 


Fubliskeo  bt  the  Gnadknhuetten  Monuuekt  Soc;eT7, 
Organized  Oct.  7xh,  1843. 


NEW  PHILADELPHIA, 


Frlotel  kt  the  ••Ohio  Democrat’  OSccl 


'S'lilll 


In  order  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  ninety-six  Christian  Indians, 
who,  on  the  8th  of  March,  1782,  fell  innocent  victims  to  the  savage  ferocity 
of  a lawless  baud  of  whites,  and  whose  meek  endurance  of  suffering,  crown- 
ed with  a triumpliant  death,  is  worthy  of  commemoration,  a society  was 
formed  and  organized  in  OctoSer,  1843,  having  for  ito  object  the  erection 
ofa  suitable  monument  on  the  spot  where  the  massacre  was  perpetrated, 
near  the  present  village  of  Gnadenhuetten,  in  Tuscarawas  County,  Ohio. 

This  Society,  having  obtained  the  control  of  a part  of  the  ground  where- 
on the  former  Indian  village  ot  Gnadenhuetten  stood,  containing  about  six 
acres,  and  where  the  location  of  the  ‘slaughter-houses’  can  still  be  identi- 
hed,  has  fenced  it  in,  partially  cleared  off  the  underbrush  with  which  it 
was  overgrown,  and  in  other  respects  improved  and  beautified  it.  But  the 
Society  being,  as  yet,  small,  and  its  funds  inadequte  to  the  end  in  view, 
begs  leave  to  lay  its  object  before  the  Christian  community,  with  a request 
for  assistance.  An  effort  will  be  made,  should  sufficient  aid  be  granted, 
to  erect  a plain,  but  durable  monument  on  the  spot  where  the  massacre 
was  committed,  during  the  next  season.  Any  donation  for  this  purpose 
transmitted  to  any  one  of  the  officers  of  the  Society,  will  be  gratefully  ac- 
knowledged. 

^ The  officers  of  the  Gnadenhuetten  Monument  Society  are: 


President;  PiEV.  SYLVESTER  WOLLE,  Gnadenhuetten. 

Vice  President:  Hon.  JACOB  BLICKENSDERFER,  Canal  Dover. 

Treasurer:  Rev.  LEWIS  F.  KAMPMAISM,  “ “ 

Secretary:  SOLOMON  HOOVER,  Gnadenhuettc.n. 

C Hon.  EBENEZER  LANE,  Sandusky  Ciiv. 

Directors:  ■ CHARLES  B.  PETER,  Gnadenhuetten. 

( JO.NATH.AN  WINSCH, 


Alas!  alas!  for  treachery!  the  boasting  white  men  came 
With  weapons  of  destruction, — the  sword  of  lurid  flame; 

And  while  the  poor  defenceless  ones  together  bowed  in  prayer, 
Unpitying  they  smote  them  while  kneeling  meekly  there. 

The  cry  of  slaughter’d  innocence  went  loudly  up  to  heaven; 

And  can  ye  hope,  ye  murdering  bands,  ever  to  be  forgiven’ 

We  know  not, — yet  we  ween  for  you  the  latest  lingering  prayer,  ^ 
That  trembled  on  your  victims  lips,  was,  “God,  forgive  anil  spare!” 

HISTORICAZ.  INTRODUCTION. 

The  first  successful  attempt  at  preaching  the  Gospel  to  the 
lieathen  Delawares,  inhabiliag  the  Eastern  section  of  the  pre- 
sent State  of  Ohio,  was  made  by  the  Moravian  Missionary,  Da- 
vid Zeisberger,  in  the  spring  of  17711;  and  in  the  course  of  a few 
years  several  flourishing  congregations  of  Christian  Indians 
were  planted  on  the  banks  of  tlie  Tuscarawas  river.  But  after 
the  breaking  out  of  the  Ilevoliitionary  War,  in  1775,  the  i\lis- 
sionary  establishments  at  (jiiadenhuetten,  Salem  and  Schoen- 
brunn,  were  frequently  interrupted,  and  the  laith  and  patience 
of  the  Missionary  brethien  and  their  Indian  congregations 
often  severely  tried.  As  their  religion  taught  them  to  cultivate 
the  art  of  peace  instead  of  war,  and  as  ihev  wished  to  preserve 
neutrality  between  the  English  and  their  Indian  allies  on  the 
one  haiiii,  and  the  Arneiicans  on  llie  other,  they  were  subject 
to  constant  suspicion,  and  were  treated  in  a hostile  manner  by 
both  parties.  The  English  Governor  at  Fort  Detroit,  influ- 
enced by  the  calumnies  of  tbeir  eneinies,  believed  that  tlie 
Ciirisiian  Indians  were  partizans  with  the  Amerians,  and  that 
the  iMissioiiaries  acted  as  spies.  In  order  to  rid  himself  ot  them, 
he  sent  a message  to  I’imoacan  the  half-king  of  the  \Vyandots, 
to  taite  up  the  Indian  congrega'ions  and  their  teachers,  and 
carry  them  away.  This  man,  instigated  by  the  Delaware  Cap- 
tain Pipe,  a sworn  enemy  to  the  mission,  at  length  agreed  to 
commit  this  .act  of  injustice. 

In  August,  1781,  a troop  of  warriors  amounting  to  upwards 
of  300,  commanded  by  the  half-king,  the  Delaware  Captain 
Pipe,  and  an  English  Captain  Elliott,  made  their  appearance  at 
Gnadenhuetten  to  accomplish  this  cruel  object.  The  half-king 
and  his  retinue  put  on  the  mask  of  fiiendship  and  proposed  the 
removal  ot  the  Christian  Indians  as  a measure  dictated  by  a re- 
gard lor  their  safety.  This  proposal  they  respectfully  declined 


promising,  however,  to  consider  their  words,  and  return  an 
answer,  the  next  winter. 

The  halt’-kmg  would  probably  have  been  satisfied  wiili  thi* 
answer,  had  not  the  English  officer,  Elliott,  and  Captain  Pipa 
urged  him  to  persevere.  The  consequence  was  that  the  hos- 
tile party  became  peremptoiy  in  their  demands,  and  insisted 
«n  their  removal.  Theii  vengeance  was  particularly  directed 
against  the  missionaiies,  and  they  held  frequent  consulations  in 
which  it  was  proposed  to  murder  all  the  white  brethren  and 
sisters,  and  even  the  Indian  assistants.  Finally,  alter  much 
violence,  and  many  barbarous  cruellies,  they  compelled  the 
Christian  Indians  and  their  teachers  to  emigrate,  leaving  behind 
them  a great  quantity  of  corn  in  their  stores,  besides  a largo 
crop  just  reaped,  together  with  potatoes  and  other  vegetables 
and  garden  fruits. 

In  the  beginning  of  October,  1781,  the  Missionaries,  with 
the  greater  part  of  their  congregation,  arrived  under  the  escort 
of  the  Wyandots  at  Sandusky.  Here  their  savage  conductors 
abandoned  them,  and  loaded  with  plunder,  returned  to  their 
koines,  leaving  them  to  shift  for  themselves  in  a country  that 
was  destitute  of  game,  and  every  means  of  support.  Pimoa- 
can  exulted  in  the  accomplishment  of  his  designs,  and  informed 
Them  that  being  now  in  hi?  dominions,  they  were  bound  to 
obey  his  mandates,  and  commanded  them  to  hold  themselves  ia 
readiness  to  go  to  battle  with  him. 

For  a lime  the  exiles  roved  to  and  fro,  seeking  a favorable 
locality  for  their  slay  over  winter,  and  at  length  pitched  upon 
a spot,  situated  on  the  East  side  of  the  Upper  Sandusky,  as  the 
best  they  could  find.  Yet  even  here  the  country  was  dreary 
and  barren,  and  they  were  at  a loss  to  conceive  whence  tlio 
means  of  supporting  so  many  should  come  during  the  winter 
which  had  already  set  in.  Their  small  stock  of  provisions  was 
nearly  exhausted,  and  the  missionaries  had  to  depend  upon  the 
voluntary  contributions  of  those  members  who  had  a little  In- 
dian corn  left. 

With  their  usual  diligence,  rising  through  faith  above  all  dis- 
heartening trials,  they  at  once  commencedbuilding  huts  for  the 
winter.  During  their  labors  their  daily  meetings  were  kept  un- 
der the  broad  canopy  of  heaven.  When  the  shadows  of  even- 
ing fell  upon  them,  they  seated  themselves  around  fires  in  the 
open  air;  one  of  the  missionaries  delivering  to  the  listening  cir- 
cle a short  discourse.  At  times  some  of  the  strolling  savages 
would  also  attend,  not  to  hear  the  gospel  preached,  but  to  scolV 
and  laugh.  What  a sight!  The  genius  of  ipligion  might  hover 
over  it,  and  point  to  the  redeeming  power  w'hich  accompanied 
the  cross  of  Christ!  Wild  Savages  cleaving  to  the  hope  of 
eternal  life  amid  all  the  ill-fortune  that  seemed  at  every  step  to 


[5] 

mark  their  Christian  pilgrimage!  But  their  joy  no  man  could 
take  from  them. 

A message  then  came  to  them  from  the  commandant  at  De- 
troit, that  the  Missionaries  should  repair  thither.  Glad  o(  the 
opportunity  to  exculpate  themselves,  and  refute  the  many  lies 
propagated  respecting  them,  four  of  the  teachers  with  several 
Indian  brethren,  obeyed  the  summons.  They  appeared  before 
the  court  martial  at  that  place;  their  conduct  was  investigated, 
especially  in  relation  to  the  imputed ‘correspondence  with  the  re- 
bels, and  frustrating  of  the  intended  attacks  of  Indians  upon  the 
frontiers,’  and  they  were  completely  exoneraled  from  all  blame.* 

The  governor  endeavored  to  atone  for  the  ill  treatment  he 
had  brought  upon  them,  by  every  act  of  kindness.  lie  provi- 
ded them  with  suitable  clothing  and  other  necessaries,  repur- 
chased their  watches  for  them,  and  parted  from  them  with 
most  marked  expressions  of  esteem. 

Thankful  for  the  gracious  interposition  of  God  in  their  be- 
half, the  Missionaries  returned  home,  and  were  greeted  with 
unbounded  joy  by  their  people,  who  liad  apprehended  that  they 
would  be  kept  prisoners;  and  such,  had,  indeed,  been  the  com- 
mandant's original  intention.  Notwithstanding  their  extreme 
poverty  the  following  months  were  a joyful  season  to  them, 
and  they  celebrated  Christmas  with  cheerfulness  and  a bless- 
ing, in  their  newly  built  log  chapel. 

The  year  1782  had  now  commenced,  and  their  situation  was 
distressing  in  the  extreme.  A supply  of  400  bushels  of  Indian 
corn,  which  had  been  fetched  from  the  deserted  towns,  on  the 
Tuscarawas,  was  again  exhausted,  and  famine  stared  them  i.n 
tho  face.  Provisions  of  all  kinds  were  wanting;  corn  was  very 
scarce  throughout  the  country,  and  such  as  had  it  asked  a dol- 
lar f)r  three  or  four  quarts;  the  winter  was  unusually  severe, 
and  wood  difficult  to  he  obtained.  The  cattle  began  to  die  of 
hunger;  and  the  congregation  were  driven  to  the  necessity  of 
supporting  themselves  upon  their  carcasses.  In  some  instances 
babes  perished  for  want  of  nourishment  from  their  mothers’  im- 
poverished breasts. 

*Dr.  Doddridge  in  his  notes  on  the  Indian  Wars  appears  to  me  to  have 
given  credence  to  the  charges  of  the  Moravians  having  often  sent  runners 
to  fort  Pitt  to  give  notice  of  the  approach  of  war  parties  and  so  far  viola- 
ting the  terms  of  neutrality,  upon  insufficient  authority  It  is  not  denied 
that  the  Christian  Indians  relieved  the  prisoners  wlio  were  carried  through 
their  settlements,  and  often  dissuaded  their  heathen  kinsmen  from  pursuing 
their  expeditions,  but  their  hearts  were  equally  open  to  every  appeal  of  suf- 
fering humanity.  It  would  appear  strange  that  a circumstance  like  the  one 
conceded  by  Dr.  Doddridge  should  not  have  come  to  light  before  the  tri- 
bunal at  Detroit,  confronted  as  they  were  by  their  enemies,  the  chief  of 
whom.  Captain  Pipe,  after  some  fruitless  evasions,  was  obliged  to  confess 
that  he  had  calumniated  them. 


[6] 

In  these  deplorable  circumstances,  alter  due  deliberation,  the 
Indians  came  to  the  determination  to  return  once  more  for  food 
to  their  forsaken  fields,  where  the  corn  was  still  standing. 
Having  formed  themselves  into  several  divisions,  they  set  out, 
in  all  about  one  hundred  and  fifty,  men,  women  and'children, 
the  greater  part  to  return  no  more,  but  to  fall  a sacrifice  to  the 
treachery  and  revenge  of  the  white  men  in  the  notorious  mas- 
sacre at  Gnadenhueiten.t 

TBE  IVI  ASS  ACRE. 

The  actors  in  this  foul  transaction  consisted  of  a military 
band  of  about  one  hundred  men,  from  the  western  parts  of 
Virginia  and  Pennsylvania,  under  the  command  of  Col.  David 
Williamson.  The  murder  was  premeditated;  for  their  purpose 
was  to  proceed  as  far  as  Sandusky,  in  order  to  destroy  all  the 
Moravian  Indians.  Among  the  incentives  to  this  expedition 
against  a quiet  and  peaceable  people,  were  the  unusually  early 
depredations  of  the  savages  upon  the  Ohio  settlements  in  the 
month  of  February,  which,  it  is  alledged,  led  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  murderers  were  either  Moravians,  or  that  the  warri- 
ors had  their  winter  quarters  in  the  Moravian  towns;  in  either 
case  the  Moravians  being  in  fault,  tht  safety  of  the  frontier 
settlements  required  the  destruction  of  their  establishments. 
Besides,  the  dismissal  ofShabosh  and  some  Christian  Indians, 
who  had  been  captured  in  the  fall  by  Col.  Gibson  of  Pittsburg, 
and  which  was  but  a common  act  of  justice,  gave  great  offence 
to  the  neighboring  settlers.  Men  of  the  first  standing  in  those 
parts  in  consequence  volunteered  to  accompany  Col.  William- 
son; each  man  furnishing  himself  with  Ins  own  ammunition, 
and  provisions,  and  many  of  them  travelling  on  horseback. 

Col.  Gibson,  of  Fort  Pitt,  despatched  messengers,  as  soon  as 
he  heard  of  the  plot,  to  warn  the  Indians  of  the  approaching 
danger,  but  they  arrived  too  late.  From  another  quarter,  how- 
ever, they  received  timeh/  notice,  but,  unfortunately,  they 
thought  the  information  unworthy  of  credit.  So  secure  did 
they  feel  at  their  occupations,  that  they  neglected  all  their  usu- 
al precautions.  Parties  w(;re  at  work  in  the  cornfields,  at  each 
of  the  three  settlements.  Gnadenhuellen,  Salem,  and  Schoen- 
brunn.  They  had  already  made  fine  progress,  and  gathered 
a large  quantity  of  grain,  and  were  beginning  to  bundle  up  their 
packs  in  order  to  take  their  final  leave  of  the  places,  when  sud- 
denly the  militia  made  their  appearance. 

When  within  a mile  of  Gnadenhuetlcn,  Col.  Williamson's 
party  had  encamped  lor  the  night  and  reconnoitered  their  po- 
sition. On  the  morning  of  the  6th  of  March  the  following  piao 

fMy  authorities  for  the  following  narration  are  Zeisberger’s  Journal. 
Holmes’  and  Loskiel’s  Histories;  Willet’s  Scenes  in  the  Wilderness,  and 
Doddridge’s  Notes. 


[7] 

for  an  assault  was  devised.  One  half  the  men  were  to  cross 
the  river,  and  attack  the  Indians  who  were  at  work  in  their 
cornfields  crti  the  West  side,  whilst  the  other  hall,  being  divided 
into  three  detachments,  were  to  fall  simultaneously  from  diff- 
erent quarters  upon  the  village  on  the  East  side, — When  iho 
former  division  reached  ihe  river,  they  could  not  ford  it,  be- 
cause it  was  high  and  filled  with  floating  ice;  but,  observing 
something  like  a canoe  on  the  other  side,  a young  man  of  the 
party  swam  across,  and  brought  over  what  proved  to  be  a large 
sap-trough.  In  this,  going  two  by  two,  they  commenced  cross- 
ing, but  impatient  at  the  delay,  a few  got  over,  swimming  at 
its  side  and  holding  fast  to  the  edges.  In  this  manner  sixteen 
had  crossed  over,  when  the  sentinels,  who  were  in  advance, 
discovered  a lad,  named  Joseph  Shabosh,  the  son  of  the  assist- 
ant missionary,  fired  at  him  and  broke  one  of  his  arms.  The 
rest  hastened  to  the  spot,  sending  word  by  those  who  remained 
on  the  East  side,  for  the  other  detachments  to  march  upon 
Gnadenhuetten  without  a moment’s  delay,  supposing  that  the 
firing  would  have  alarmed  the  inhabitants.  With  most  piteous 
entreaties  young  Shabosh  begged  them  to  spare  his  life,  repre- 
senting that  he  was  the  son  of  a white  man;  liut,  regardless  of 
his  cries  and  tears,  they  killed  him  with  their  hatchets,  and 
scalped  him.  After  thus  whetting  their  apjietitcs  in  his  warm 
life-blood,  the  party  approached  the  plantations. 

The  first  to  discover  their  approach  was  an  Indian  named 
Jacob,  a brother-in-law  to  young  Shabosh,  who  was  employed 
near  the  hanks  ot  the  river,  tying  up  his  corn.  Remaining  un- 
perceived he  was  about  to  hail  them,  supposing  them  to  be  a 
friendly  party,  when  at  that  instant  they  shot  at  one  of  the 
brethren  who  was  just  crossing  the  river  from  the  town.  Up- 
on perceiving  this,  Jacob  fled  with  the  utmost  precipitation, 
and  before  their  faces  were  turned  towards  him,  was  out  of 
sight.  Had  he  acted  with  some  coolness  and  courage,  he  might 
have  saved  many  a valuable  life;  especially  by  proceeding  to 
Salem,  and  giving  the  alarm.  But  instead  of  this,  fear  led  him 
to  flee  several  miles  in  an  opposite  direction,  where  he  hid  him- 
self a day  and  a night. 

The  party  of  sixteen  now  drew  near  to  the  Indians,  who 
were  at  work  in  ^he  fields  in  considerable  numbers,  and  had 
their  guns  with  them,  and  finding  that  they  were  greatly  out- 
numbered, accosted  them  in  a friendly  manner.  They  pretend- 
ed to  pity  them  on  account  of  their  past  sufferings,  said  they 
had  come  to  conduct  them  to  a place  of  safety  near  Pittsbu'g, 
and  advised  them  to  discontinue  their  work  at  once,  and  return 
with  them  to  the  town  to  hold  a further  parley.  To  all  this  the 
Indians,  anticipating  no  harm  from  American  soldiers,  and  ig- 
norant as  yet  ol  the  murder  of  Shabosh,  cheerfully  acceded. — 


[8] 

Not  dreaming  that  they  were  to  be  caught  “like  fish  in  an  evil 
net,  and  as  birds  that  are  caught  m the  snare,”  they  rejoiced 
that  they  had  found  such  true  friends,  and  imagined  they  saw 
the  hand  of  God  in  it — who  was  about  to  put  an  end  to  all  their 
sufferings,  and  lead  them  to  a more  secure  and  pleasant  countrv'. 

The  other  detachments  had  meanwhile  arrived  at  the  village, 
where  they  found  but  one  man,  and  a woman,  whom  they  shot, 
as  she  was  hiding  in  the  bushes.  But  so  prepossessed  were  the 
Indians  with  the  idea  of  removing,  that  nothing  was  able  to 
shake  their  confidence  in  the  white  men.  They  cheerfully  sur- 
rendered their  guns,  hr.tchets  and  other  weapons,  upon  receiv- 
ing the  promise  that  they  should  be  restored  at  Pitts  bur?, 
showed  them  where  they  had  secreted  their  communion-wine 
and  other  property  in  the  woods,  helped  them  to  pack  it  up, 
and  began  to  make  every  preparation  for  the  journey  to  Pitts- 
burg. 

The  native  assistant  John  Martin  had  gone  to  Salem,  imme- 
diately upon  the  arrival  of  the  party,  to  inform  the  inhabitants 
of  the  state  of  affairs;  and  the  next  day  a troop  of  horsemen 
rode  down  to  bring  them  all  in.  With  the  same  confiding  trust 
in  their  orofessions  of  peace  and  good-will,  they  returned  with 
them,  conversing  on  the  road  upon  religious  topics,  in  which 
their  attendants  joined  with  much  appearance  of  piety.  Simple 
children  of  the  forest,  how  dove-like  had  Christianity  made  you! 
liow  little  did  you  dream  of  deliberate  deceit  and  base  treach- 
ery, and  that  as  sheep  you  were  being  led  to  the  slaughter! — 
Arriving  at  the  river-bank  opposite  Gnadenhuetten,  their  eyes 
began  to  open,  however,  when  it  was  too  late.  They  discov- 
ered a spot  of  blood  on  the  sand,  which  excited  disquietude  and 
alarm.  Soon  their  boding  fears  received  full  confirmation.  As 
soon  as  they  entered  the  town  all  were  seized,  as  those  in  town 
had  been  a short  time  betore,  their  guns  and  pocket  knives 
were  taken  bv  their  conductors;  they  were  pinioned,  and  con- 
fined in  two  houses  standing  some  distance  apart;  the  men  in 
one,  the  women  and  children  in  the  other.  Here  they  met  to- 
gether— associates  for  the  last  time  in  sorrow.  They  mingled 
their  tears  and  their  sympathies  together,  and  their  prayers 
ascended  to  the  throne  of  grace. 

The  miscreants  now  held  a consultation,  to  decide  the  late  of 
the  prisioners.  The  charges  which  they  brought  against  them 
were,  that  their  horses,  as  also  their  axes,  pewter  basins  and 
spoons,  and  all  they  possessed  had  been  stolen  or  obtained  by 
improper  means  from  (he  while  people,  and  also  that  they  were 
warriors,  and  not  Christians.  All  of  these  accusations  were  ut- 
terly false  and  frivolous.  On  the  contrary  it  is  presumable  that 
tlie  expedition  would  never  have  been  undertaken,  or  at  least  not 
so  imprudently  conducted,  if  they  had  anticipated  resistance. 


[9] 

They  well  knew  the  pacific  principles  of  the  iAIoravian  Indians, 
and  calculated  on  blood  and  plunder  without  havintr  a shot  fired 
at  them.  With  a mere  show  of  delence  it  is  likely  that  such 
men  might  have  been  repulsed.  Some  deeds  ol  blood  were,  no 
doubt,  imputed  to  these  Indians,  for,  according  to  the  statement 
of  the  missionaries,  the  Wyandot  and  Delaware  warriors,  who 
were  inimical  to  the  Gospel,  hail  always  made  it  a point  to  re- 
turn from  their  camp.aicns  through  their  settlements,  in  the  ex- 
pectation that  il  would  bring  the  whites  upon  the  Moravians. 
Some  warriors,  too,  accompanied  them  on  tlieir  return  irom 
Sandusky,  crossed  the  Ohio  and  committed  several  murders, 
and  on  their  way  back  stopned  near  Gnadenhuellen,  where  they 
impaled  a vvowan  and  child;  but  it  is  equally  certain  that  the 
Christiacs  had  no  part  or  lot  in  the  matter.  Two  of  those 
warriors  were  captured  at  the  same  time,  and  were  tomahawk- 
ed outside  of  ihe  town  by  tiie  white  men. — As  to  the  other 
charge,  it  rested  upon  no  othei  loundation  than  that  one  man  is 
said  to  have  lound  here  the  bloody  clothes  ol  his  wife  and  chil- 
dren, vvhich  were  plainly  those  ot  the  women  and  child  killed 
near  the  town,  and  secreted  liere  by  their  enemies.  Others 
may  have  recognized  property  in  the  hands  of  the  Indians, 
since  it  is  piobable  that  the  watriors,  in  their  passage  ihrough 
the  villages,  were  in  the  habit  of  bartering  various  articles  of 
value,  for  provisions,  in  lieu  of  money;  but  if  ibis  was  contrary 
to  their  neutral  engagements,  it  was  unavoidable,  as  the  war- 
riors possessed  both  tlie  will  and  the  means  to  compel  them  to 
give  them  whatever  they  wanted. 

*'n  such  pretexts,  the  Indians  were  condemned  to  death. 
The  blood-ihirsty  troops  were  clamorous  to  begin  the  butcherv 
witliout  delay.  The  officers  hesitated.  But  can  it  be  doubted, 
that  if  they  had  been  really  averse  to  the  crime,  they  might 
h.ive  checked  the  vindictive  spirit  ol  their  unprincipled  subor- 
dinates? And  find  Col.  Williamson  been  tlic  brave  man  be  is 
represented  to  have  been,  would  he  not  have  staked  his  life  upon 
their  defence,  rather  than  that  the  unofiending  and  pious  cap- 
lives  should  perisli?  It  was  probably,  llierelore,  more  lor  the 
sake  ol  appearances,  ami  to  devolve  a part  of  the  awful  respon- 
sibility upon  tlieir  men.  than  from  any  motives  ol  merev,  that 
thev  determined  first  to  let  it  be  put  to  a vote  ol  the  whole  corps. 
Col.  Williamson  put  'he  question,  in  (orm:  “Whether  the  Mo- 
ravian Indians  should  be  taken  prisoners  to  Pittsburg,  or  put  to 
death;”  and  requested  that  all  those  who  were  in  favor  of  sav- 
ing their  lives,  should  step  out  of  their  line  and  form  a second 
rank.  On  this  sixteen  or  eighteen  stepped  lorward,  and  up- 
wards of  eighty  remained.  The  late  of  the  Indians  was  tluis 
decided  on,  and  they  were  told  to  prepare  for  death,  a brief  re- 
spite till  the  morrow  being  all  that  was  granted  the/n. 


[10] 

During  the  night  the  murderers  deliberated  whether  they 
should  burn  them  alive,  or  tomahawk  and  scalp  tliern,  and  'a 
few  proposed  milder  measures;  but  the  voice  ol  mercy  was 
overruled,  and  it  was  determined  to  butcher  them  one  bv  one. 
The  Indians  were  at  first  overwhelmed  at  the  nev>sol  their 
imnending  fate.  Butiiuickly  collecting  themselves  again,  and 
patiently  submitting  to  the  inscrutable  decree  of  the  Lord, 
whose  servants  they  had  become,  they  spent  the  night  in  pray- 
er, asking  pardon  ot  each  other  for  whatever  offience  they  had 
given,  or  grief  the}"  had  occasioned,  and  exhorting  one  anoth- 
er to  a faithful  and  meek  endurance  of  their  trials  to  ihe  end. 
Then  at  the  dawn  of  morning  they  otiered  fervent  supplications 
to  God  their  Saviour,  and  united  in  singing  praises  unto  Him, 
in  the  joyful  hope  that  they  should  soon  enter  into  His  glorious 
presence,  in  everlasting  bliss.  In  this  liour  the  consolations  of 
divine  ^race  abounded  iii  their  souls;  they  feit  the  peace  of 
God  which  passeth  all  understanding,  and  cheerlullv  resigned, 
they  awaited  the  summons  ol  their  execntioneis. 

It  was  the  morning  of  the  8lh  of  March  when  the  awful 
scene  was  enacted.  The  murderers  came  to  them  whilst  they 
were  engaged  in  singing,  and  asked, ‘‘w'hether  thev  were  ready 
to  die?’’  and  received  lor  answer,  ‘Hhat  they  had  commended 
themselves  to  God,  who  had  given  them  the  assurance  in  their 
hearts  that  he  would  receive  their  souls.”  The  carnage  then 
immediately  commenced.  By  couples  they  were  led  bound 
into  two  houses  that  had  been  selected  for  the  purpose,  and 
were  aptly  termed  the  “Slaughter-Houses;”  the  men  to  the  one, 
tlie  women  and  children  to  the  otlier,  and  as  they  entered  were 
knocked  down  and  butchered.  A Pennsylvanian  of  the  party 
conducted  the  slaughter  of  the  brethren.  Taking  up  a cooper's 
mallet,  (the  house  had  been  occupied  by  a cooper.)  he  said, 
looking  at  it,  and  handling  it,  “How  exactly  this  will  answer 
for  the  business.’’  ^\’ith  this  as  the  instrument  of  death,  he 
continued  knocking  them  down  one  after  another,  until  he  had 
killed  fourteen  with  his  own  hands.  He  then  handed  the  mal- 
let to  one  of  his  fellow-murderers,  saying:  “My  arm  fails  me; 
goon  in  the  same  way;  1 think  I have  done  pretty  well.’'’’^  Ot 
the  horrors  that  fanspired  in  the  house  of  the  poor  women  and 
children  we  have  no  further  aecount,  than  that  a woman,  called 
Christina,  who  had  resided  in  Bethlehem,  Pa.,  and  could  speak 
Ilnglish  well,  fell  upon  her  knees  before  the  Captain,  and  beg- 
ged him  to  spare  their  lives,  but  was  told  it  was  impossible. 
So  ferocious  had  they  become  that  they  were  not  satisfied  with 
simply  destroying  their  lives,  but  disfigured  the  dead  and  dying 

* This  was  related  by  a lad  who  escaped  out  of  the  house,  and  who 
understood  English  well. 


bodies  in  a horrible  manner. 

Thus  perished  at  least  ninety  innocent  persons,  of  al!  ages  — 
from  the  arey-haired  sire  down  to  the  helpless  innocent  at  it* 
mother’s  breast.  Leaving  the  houses  which  were  now  reeking 
with  the  blood  and  mangled  remains  of  their  victims,  they  went 
to  a little  distance,  making  merry  over  the  horrid  deed  ; but 
returning  again  they  saw  one  named  Abel,  who  though  scalped 
and  mangled  was  attempting  to  rise,  and  despatched  him. 

The  whole  number  of  the  slain  was  ninety-six  ; of  these 
some  were  killed  before  the  general  massacre,  as  Shabosh  and 
his  wife,  and  several  who  in  attempting  to  escape  by  swimming 
the  river  were  shot. — Several  warriors  were  likewise  killed  at 
the  same  time,  outside  of  the  town.  Of  the  whole  number  of 
Moravian  Indians,  lorty  were  men,  twenty-two  were  women, 
and  thirty-four  children.  Five  of  the  men  were  respectable 
n.ative  assistants  : Samuel  Moore,  Tobias,  Jonas,  Isaac 

Glickhican  and  John  Martin.  Samuel  Moore  and  Tobias  hod 
lieen  members  of  the  congregation  of  that  eminently  devoted 
servant  of  God  and  most  faithlul  missionary,  David  Brainerd. 
After  his  death  they  left  New  Jersey  and  joined  the  Mora- 
vians. Samuel  had  received  his  education  from  Brainerd,  could 
read,  and  was  so  well  acijuainted  with  the  English  language, 
that  for  many  years  he  served  in  the  capacity  of  interpreter. 
The  others,  also,  bore  excellent  characters,  and  were  very 
useful  members  of  the  Cburcli.  Isaac  Glickhican  had  been  a 
sachem,  and  was  noted  among  his  countrymen  lor  superior 
wistlom  and  courage. 

Only  two  lads  of  fourteen  or  fifteen  years  of  age  effected 
their  escape  from  the  hands  of  ilie  murderers.  One  of  these 
was  knocked  down  and  scalped  with  the  rest  in  the  slaughtei- 
house  of  the  brethren.  Recovering  a little  he  looked  around, 
and  beheld  on  al!  sides  the  mangled  corpses  of  the  dead. 
Among  them  he  observed  Abel  attempting  to  rise,  whom  the 
wliite  men,  coming  in  soon  afterwards,  despatched.  With 
great  presence  of  mind  belay  tpiite  still  among  the  he.apsf>f 
slain,  and  when  they  had  departed,  cept  over  the  bodies  to 
the  door,  si  ill  keeping  himself  in  such  a position  as  easily  lo 
feign  death,  if  any  person  should  approach.  As  it  began  to  grow 
dusk,  lie  (joickly  got  out  at  the  door,  hid  liimsell  beliind  the 
house  uniil  it  was  rpiite  dark,  and  then  escaped.  The  other  lad 
haa  loosed  his  Ixmds,  soon  after  it  was  ascertained  that  they 
were  to  die.  succeeded  in  escaping  out  of  the  house  where  tliey 
were  c<inlincd,  and  crept  by  a small  cellar  window  under  the 
bouse  where  the  women  were  subse'juently  butchered.  Here 
lie  remained  undetected,  and  as  the  butchery  proceeded,  saw 
tlic  blood  ilow  in  streams  into  tlie  cellar-  He  kept  himself  con- 
cealed till  evening,  when  ne  with  much  difficulty  made  his  way 


[12] 

out  of  thf  narrow  window  into  the  woods.  These  two  lads 
met  providentially,  and  )«laying  awhile  to  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  white  party,  journeyed  together  to  Sandusky. 

The  Indians  wlio  were  gathering  corn  at  Schoenbrunn  were 
saved  from  the  fate  of  their  brethren.  They  had  despatched 
two  bretheren  to  Gnadenhuetten  and  Salem,  carrying  intelli- 
gence to  them  from  the  missionaries,  on  the  day  that  the  band 
arrived.  These,  on  their  way,  discovered  ti)  their  great  sur- 
prise the  marks  «d  hrrses’  hoots  along  and  beside  the  path,  and 
cautiously  (ollowed  the  tracks,  until  they  lound  the  body  of 
Shabosh.  They  buried  liis  Imdy.  and  after  observing  that  there 
were  many  white  men  in  the  village,  and  concludiug  from  the 
late  of  Shabosh  that  their  bretheren  had  all  perished  by  the 
same  ciuel  hands,  hastily  returned  to  Srdioenbrunn.  Here 
ail  took  to  instant  flight  (amcealing  themselves  in  the  woods 
for  some  days,  on  the  oppnsile  side  of  the  river.  When  the 
murderers  arrived  therelore  upon  the  following  day,  they 
might  easily  have  been  discovered  ; but,  being  struck  with  an 
unaccountable  blindness,  and  finding  no  trace  of  Indians,  they 
soon  rode  ofl,  alter  pillaging  and  burning  the  village. 

In  the  same  nitilit  of  the  massacre  the  while  men  set  fire  to 
all  the  houses  ol  Gnadenhuetten,  and  to  the  slaughter  houses 
among  the  rest.  The  dead  bodies  were  but  partially  consumed, 
and  their  bones  remained  to  bleach  in  the  sun,  until  after  some 
twenty  yea  s they  received  interment  hy  friendly  hands.  By 
the  light  of  the  burning  village  the  murderers  llien  departed, 
tending  the  air  with  shouts  and  yells  more  savage  than  ever 
arose  in  the  wilderness  before,  carrying  with  them  the  scalps, 
about  fifty  hor.ses,  numerous  blankets,  and  some  other  articles  of 
plunder,  which  they  exposed  for  sale  in  Pitlshurg,  On  their 
way  back  they  made  anoliier  all.ick  on  an  Indian  settlement 
a short  ui.slanc:e  from  Pittsburgh,  and  were  pailially  success- 
ful. 

Altera  journey,  attended  with  innumerable  hardships,  the 
Indians  from  Sliornbuinn  arrived  at  Sandusky  almost  famished, 
having  lell  all  their  provisisms  behind.  They  returned  to  a 
dreary  country  ; and  to  add  to  their  distress,  tiiey  returned  to 
take  anoliier  leave  of  their  teachers.  Well  might  they  say  with 
the  patriarch  Jacob,  All  these  things  are  against  me. ’’  But 
they  murmured  not — they  trusted  in  God,  and  took  courage. 

In  conclusion,  may  die  memory  ol  our  red  brethren  who  at 
Gnadenhuetten  sealed  their  faith  wiili  blood,  ever  remain;  and 
mav  their  pious  confession  of  ilie  S.iviour  in  sufleiing,  their 
meek  endurance,  and  triumphant  Chiislian  death,  bear  testimo- 
ny to  the  'rruih  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  as  long  as  the  memory  of  the 
atrocious  deed  shall  last! 


